SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 20x52x15 Deep Groove Ball Bearing

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 is a single-row deep groove ball bearing measuring 20x52x15 mm. Its bore diameter d is 20 mm, outside diameter D is 52 mm and width B is 15 mm. The exact configuration combines contact seals on both sides (2RSH) with C3 radial internal clearance, which is greater than Normal.

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 - Product Characteristics

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 belongs to the 63 dimensional series of single-row deep groove ball bearings. The commercial terms SKF 6304 2RS C3 and 6304 2RS C3 SKF are commonly used when searching for this bearing, while 6304-2RSH/C3 provides the precise SKF product identification.

SKF-generated data confirm one row of rolling elements, a cylindrical bore, sheet-metal cage, bearing-steel construction, grease lubrication, double-sided contact sealing and C3 radial internal clearance. The bearing is classified as SKF Explorer.

Verified specifications:

Manufacturer / Brand: SKF
Designation: 6304-2RSH/C3
Commercial Designation: 6304 2RS C3
Bearing Type: Single-row deep groove ball bearing
Dimensions: 20x52x15 mm
d - Bore Diameter: 20 mm
D - Outside Diameter: 52 mm
B - Width: 15 mm
Number of Rows: 1
Bore Type: Cylindrical
Sealing: Both sides
Sealing Type: Contact
Radial Internal Clearance: C3
Cage: Sheet metal
Bearing Material: Bearing steel
Lubricant: Grease
Relubrication Feature: Without
Basic Dynamic Load Rating C: 16.8 kN
Basic Static Load Rating C0: 7.8 kN
Reference Speed: 30,000 r/min
Limiting Speed: 9,500 r/min
Performance Class: SKF Explorer
Net Weight: 0.144 kg.

Dimensions

The principal dimensions of SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 are:

d - Bore Diameter: 20 mm
D - Outside Diameter: 52 mm
B - Width: 15 mm
Dimensions: 20x52x15 mm

For this bearing, 20x52x15 mm corresponds to d x D x B.

The bore code 04 corresponds to a nominal bore diameter of 20 mm.

Dimensions alone, however, are insufficient for complete product identification. A 6304 bearing with the same envelope dimensions but Normal clearance, shields or another sealing configuration is a different technical variant.

Bearing Construction

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 is a non-separable, single-row deep groove ball bearing.

The balls operate between deep raceway grooves in the inner and outer rings. This geometry enables the bearing to accommodate radial loads and axial loads acting in both directions. SKF specifically lists this load-carrying capability for its sealed single-row deep groove ball bearings.

The exact 6304-2RSH/C3 configuration includes a cylindrical bore, one row of balls and a sheet-metal cage.

2RSH Contact Seals

The suffix 2RSH identifies the sealing arrangement of this SKF bearing.

SKF specifies:

Sealing: seal on both sides
Sealing Type: contact.

The integral sealing helps retain grease inside the bearing while restricting contamination from reaching the rolling contacts.

The 2RSH configuration should not be confused with 2Z, which identifies a different closure arrangement. Therefore, SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 and SKF 6304-2Z/C3 may have identical principal dimensions and the same C3 clearance but are not the same bearing configuration.

C3 Radial Internal Clearance

C3 is a defining feature of SKF 6304-2RSH/C3.

The C3 suffix means that the bearing has radial internal clearance greater than Normal. SKF-generated product data explicitly identify the radial internal clearance of this exact reference as C3.

C3 is not a quality or precision grade. It describes the initial internal radial clearance of the bearing.

This distinction separates the product from standard:

SKF 6304-2RSH

with Normal radial internal clearance.

Consequently:

6304-2RSH/C3 ≠ 6304-2RSH

when internal clearance is a required engineering parameter.

Load Ratings and Operating Principle

The verified SKF ratings for 6304-2RSH/C3 are:

C - Basic Dynamic Load Rating: 16.8 kN
C0 - Basic Static Load Rating: 7.8 kN.

As a deep groove ball bearing, the construction accommodates radial loading as well as axial loading in both directions.

C and C0 are catalogue engineering parameters used for bearing selection and rating-life calculations. They should not be interpreted as universal maximum permissible loads for every installation.

Reference Speed and Limiting Speed

SKF-generated product data specify:

Reference Speed: 30,000 r/min
Limiting Speed: 9,500 r/min.

These are two different catalogue parameters and should not be interpreted as interchangeable values.

Actual permissible operating speed in a machine depends on the complete operating conditions, including load, temperature, fits, lubrication and bearing arrangement.

Meaning of 6304-2RSH/C3

The complete designation identifies the exact bearing configuration:

6 - deep groove ball bearing

63 - dimensional series

04 - bore code corresponding to 20 mm

2RSH - contact seals on both sides

C3 - radial internal clearance greater than Normal

For technical identification, the complete manufacturer designation should therefore be retained:

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3

The phrase 6304 2RS C3 SKF can be included naturally as a common commercial search term without replacing the manufacturer's precise designation.

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 vs 6304-2RSH

Both bearings share the principal dimensions:

d = 20 mm
D = 52 mm
B = 15 mm

Both also use contact seals on both sides.

The key difference is radial internal clearance:

SKF 6304-2RSH: Normal radial internal clearance
SKF 6304-2RSH/C3: C3 radial internal clearance, greater than Normal

The two variants should therefore remain separate product pages and should not be merged solely because their dimensions and sealing arrangement are identical.

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 vs 6304-2Z/C3

The difference here concerns the closure configuration.

6304-2RSH/C3 uses contact seals on both sides.

6304-2Z/C3 uses metal shields on both sides.

Both may have the same 20x52x15 mm dimensions and C3 internal clearance, but the different closure design affects the technical configuration and operating characteristics.

Selection and Interchangeability

When selecting an alternative to SKF 6304-2RSH/C3, matching only the designation 6304 or dimensions 20x52x15 mm is insufficient.

The replacement should be checked for the same bearing type, 20 mm bore, 52 mm outside diameter, 15 mm width, double-sided contact sealing and C3 radial internal clearance. Load ratings, speed capability, cage design, tolerance class, lubrication, shaft and housing fits should also be considered.

A 6304 2RS C3 bearing from another manufacturer may have similar nominal characteristics, but complete technical interchangeability should be confirmed from the manufacturer's specifications.

Technical Specification

Manufacturer / Brand: SKF
Designation: 6304-2RSH/C3
Commercial Designation: 6304 2RS C3
Product Type: Deep groove ball bearing
Construction: Single row
Series: 63
Dimensions: 20x52x15 mm
d - Bore Diameter: 20 mm
D - Outside Diameter: 52 mm
B - Width: 15 mm
Bore Type: Cylindrical
Number of Rows: 1
Sealing: Both sides
Sealing Type: Contact
Radial Internal Clearance: C3
Cage: Sheet metal
Bearing Material: Bearing steel
Lubrication: Grease
Relubrication Feature: Without
Tolerance Class: Normal
Basic Dynamic Load Rating C: 16.8 kN
Basic Static Load Rating C0: 7.8 kN
Reference Speed: 30,000 r/min
Limiting Speed: 9,500 r/min
SKF Performance Class: SKF Explorer
Net Weight: 0.144 kg.

FAQ

What are the dimensions of SKF 6304-2RSH/C3?

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 measures 20x52x15 mm: d = 20 mm bore diameter, D = 52 mm outside diameter and B = 15 mm width.

What type of bearing is SKF 6304-2RSH/C3?

It is a single-row deep groove ball bearing with a cylindrical bore, contact seals on both sides and C3 radial internal clearance.

What does 2RSH mean?

2RSH identifies contact seals on both sides of the bearing. SKF lists the exact reference as sealed on both sides with contact-type sealing.

What does C3 mean?

C3 means radial internal clearance greater than Normal. It does not indicate a higher quality or precision class.

What are the load ratings of SKF 6304-2RSH/C3?

The basic dynamic load rating is C = 16.8 kN, while the basic static load rating is C0 = 7.8 kN.

What are the speed ratings of SKF 6304-2RSH/C3?

SKF specifies a reference speed of 30,000 r/min and a limiting speed of 9,500 r/min for this exact configuration.

Can SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 carry axial loads?

Yes. Its deep groove ball bearing geometry enables it to accommodate radial loads and axial loads in both directions.

Is SKF 6304-2RSH the same as 6304-2RSH/C3?

No. They share the same principal dimensions and sealing arrangement, but 6304-2RSH/C3 has C3 radial internal clearance greater than Normal.

AI Overview

SKF 6304-2RSH/C3 is a single-row deep groove ball bearing measuring 20x52x15 mm, with contact seals on both sides and C3 radial internal clearance greater than Normal. It has a sheet-metal cage and grease lubrication. SKF specifies C = 16.8 kN, C0 = 7.8 kN and a limiting speed of 9,500 r/min.